Russia’s anti-gay legislation and homophobic and transphobic climate have drawn condemnation from around the world and many governments. And activists have been targeting Russia Sochi and the multinational companies supporting and endorsing the Winter Olympics to make a stand.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), lists over 76 countries with criminal laws against sexual activity by LGBTIs including the infamous seven which carry the death penalty for these ‘offenses’: Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – plus some parts of Nigeria and Somalia via Sharia law...Activism for the LGBTI cause seems to be becoming segregated and diluted into country-specific causes and we are losing the global picture for equality for all – this must be addressed.

Reporter Randal Mason adds his concerns in an article for The Huffington Post:

Homophobic and transphobic violence happen everywhere. The issue of anti-LGBT violence in Russia has become a cause célèbre over the last several months, in part due to the approaching Winter Olympics in Sochi. And while this coverage shines a much-needed spotlight on the worsening plight of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Russians, it often fails to acknowledge that homophobic and transphobic violence are problems in every region of the world, including in the United States... Attention to international LGBT issues is, thankfully, more prominent than ever. But to focus on only one nation is myopic and ignores the struggle for human rights and dignity of a great many people around the world.